What’s in season in April

The first of our Jersey Royal potatoes and asparagus are what I’m most excited about this April. They signal the start of warmer weather and the promise of fresh, new produce as we head towards summer – just in time for Easter, too. April is a well-known ‘hungry gap’ in the British seasonal calendar, with less British fruit and vegetables available than at any other time of year. Still, M&S are the first national retailer to get Jersey Royals on our shelves, so make the most of the short season with my springtime recipe ideas.

Did you know, Jersey Royals grow exclusively in the rich, fertile earth of Jersey Island, and cannot be given their name if grown anywhere else? These small springtime spuds are beautifully nutty and buttery. I love including them in a Sunday roast, like my juiciest whole BBQ-roasted chicken. Roast the Jersey Royals in the same tray as your roast meat so they soak up all those lovely juices as they cook. Or try gently smashing them and roasting them with beef dripping, as in my ultimate steak kebabs with beef-dripping potatoes. Jersey Royals lend themselves brilliantly to salads or paired with fresh spring flavours, like zingy lemon, fresh herbs and garden peas – try my crispy haddock with lemon Jersey Royals for a Good Friday fish dinner this Easter.

Is there anything better than British asparagus when it’s in season? Asparagus has a relatively short season in the British seasonal calendar so enjoy it while it’s here. Some of M&S’ asparagus is grown by the Chinn family in the Wye Valley, where light sandy soils, a sheltered valley and a cool climate make for great conditions to grow this springtime veg. Cook them simply in a pan with butter, a splash of water, salt and pepper, until deliciously tender and sweet – they’re gorgeous just as they are. They’re great for breakfast too – try my dippy eggs and asparagus soldiers recipe or pair them with my rich, salty and creamy asparagus and bacon pasta for dinner tonight.